Mickelson maintains Phoenix Open lead

Phil Mickelson tips his cap during the Phoenix Open on Saturday. (Matt York | Associated Press)

By JOHN NICHOLSONAssociated Press

Published: Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11:56 p.m.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Phil Mickelson drew the loudest roars from the biggest crowd in golf history Saturday at the Phoenix Open.

Mickelson nearly aced the par-3 16th, hitting a 9-iron to a foot to set up a birdie on the rowdy stadium hole packed with nearly 20,000 screaming fans.

Estimated at 179,022, the third-round crowd broke the record of 173,210 set last year, also on a Saturday at fan-friendly TPC Scottsdale. The event has drawn 467,030 for the week and is in position to break the mark of 538,356 set in 2008.

Mickelson birdied the final four holes and five of the last six for a 7-under 64 and a six-stroke lead over Brandt Snedeker.

Making his 24th appearance in the event that he won in 1996 and 2005, Mickelson is trying to complete his third career wire-to-wire victory and first since the 2006 BellSouth Classic — a 13-stroke blowout the week before the second of his three Masters victories.

He also is in position to match the tournament record of three victories set by Arnold Palmer and matched by Gene Littler and Mark Calcavecchia.

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